Twitch Joins Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban

Australia’s upcoming social media ban for users under the age of 16 has officially expanded to include Twitch.

The livestreaming platform, owned by Amazon and widely popular among gamers, will now join the growing list of services restricted under the new legislation, which takes effect on December 10, 2025.

Australia’s Social Media Ban Expands: Twitch Now on the List | Image via Gaming Amigos

For those who haven’t followed the story, the Australian government is enforcing age limits across major platforms to reduce "risks and pressures" children face online. The list already includes TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, Threads, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and Kick.

According to Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, Twitch was assessed as an “age-restricted social media platform” because its primary purpose is online social interaction. While many of us think of Twitch as a gaming hub, the regulator emphasized that livestreaming and chat features encourage constant user engagement, making it fall under the same category as other social apps.

Starting December 10, Australians under 16 will no longer be able to sign up for Twitch accounts. Existing accounts belonging to underage users will begin deactivation from January 9, 2026.

The government has made it clear that platforms failing to comply could face fines of up to $50 million. As per statements from Communications Minister Anika Wells’ office, no further evaluations are expected before the ban’s start date, though the policy is described as “dynamic,” meaning more platforms could be added or removed in the future.

Twitch already had its own age restrictions in place, forbidding anyone under 13 from using the service. Users between 13 and adulthood could only join with parental permission. However, this new law raises the minimum age to 16, effectively tightening the rules across the board.